Official releases, distilled into exam-ready intelligence.

The Office of the Controller of Communication Accounts (CCA), Maharashtra and Goa, organised a fortnight-long cleanliness campaign from September 17 to October 2, 2026, under the national initiative Swachhata Hi Seva 2026. Aligned with the theme "Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat", the campaign featured activities including the Swachhata Pledge, a tree plantation drive, an awareness march on waste management and civic responsibility, and a mass Shramdaan drive at the BSNL Administrative Building Compound in Mumbai.

The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), along with its subordinate offices and public sector undertakings, is undertaking Special Campaign 6 focusing on cleanliness, effective record management, grievance redressal, disposal of unserviceable items, and streamlining of office processes. Under the campaign, 949 sites have been identified for cleanliness drives, and unserviceable items including e-waste are being disposed of. The department has targeted references from Members of Parliament, public grievances, state government references, and public grievance appeals for disposal, alongside reviewing physical and electronic files.

The Department of Telecommunications launched the implementation phase of Special Campaign 6 following the conclusion of the Swachhata Hi Seva-2026 Campaign. Initiated with a tree plantation by the Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, the campaign runs from October 2 to October 31, 2026. During the identification phase up to September 30, 2026, the Department set targets to review and weed out 12,513 physical files and dispose of pending matters including 55 VIP references, 2,270 public grievances, and 640 public grievance appeals. Over 450 campaign sites have been identified pan India across organizations, field offices, and Public Sector Undertakings to dispose of scrap and e-waste, free up office space, and generate revenue.

Indian Naval Ship Trishul, a frontline guided missile stealth frigate, arrived at Valencia, Spain, on September 30, 2026, as part of its ongoing deployment to the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and adjoining maritime regions. The port call includes professional interactions, cross-deck visits, sporting, and cultural engagements with the Spanish Navy to exchange operational experiences and foster mutual understanding. Earlier in this deployment, INS Trishul participated in the 24th edition of Exercise VARUNA with the French Navy at Toulon. The deployment highlights the Indian Navy's sustained maritime engagement with friendly foreign countries and partner navies.

The Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, is organizing Yuva Sangam Phase VII under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme to strengthen people-to-people connections and promote mutual understanding among India's youth. The Sikkim–Rajasthan exchange commenced when the first tour was flagged off from Sikkim University on September 25, 2026. The Rajasthan leg, hosted by IIT Jodhpur, involves the Sikkim delegation participating in cultural and educational engagements. On October 1, 2026, the delegates visited Mehrangarh Fort and interacted with Shri Gaj Singh II to learn about Rajasthan's heritage, traditions, and history.

The Ministry of Education is organising Yuva Sangam Phase VII under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme to promote national integration, people-to-people connections, and mutual understanding among youth. As part of this initiative, a delegation from Madhya Pradesh, with the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Bhopal as the nodal institute, visited Karnataka, where they were hosted by the Central University of Karnataka. During their visit, the youth interacted with the Governor of Karnataka, visited historical and educational landmarks such as Bidar Fort and IIM Bengaluru, met Padma Shri awardee Rasheed Ahmed Quadri to learn about Bidriware craft, and visited Gurudwara Sri Nanak Jhira Sahib. The initiative is built upon five thematic pillars: Paryatan, Parampara, Pragati, Paraspar Sampark, and Prodyogiki.

South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited under the Ministry of Coal, culminated the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign on Gandhi Jayanti across its operational areas in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Conducted from September 17 to October 2, 2026, the campaign covered over 55 Cleanliness Target Units and 10 lakh square feet, involving awareness and community programs. Following this, SECL commenced the implementation phase of Special Campaign 6 from October 2 to October 31, 2026, focusing on scrap disposal, record management, space optimization, and e-waste management across its headquarters and operational units.

The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), Jaipur, seized 1.080 kg of hydroponic weed (ganja) concealed inside an international parcel received from Thailand at the Foreign Post Office (FPO) in Jaipur. Acting on specific intelligence, officers examined the parcel—which contained packets of cakes and other articles—and discovered the contraband hidden inside 29 pouches of cakes used as a camouflage method. The recovered substance was seized under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and further investigation is underway.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary, emphasizing the global relevance of Gandhi's philosophy in the context of humanity. The Prime Minister specifically highlighted Gandhi’s advocacy for 'Swadeshi', with a particular focus on the promotion of Khadi. To mark the occasion, the Prime Minister encouraged citizens to purchase at least one Khadi product, framing it as a point of pride and a step toward the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). The Prime Minister expressed that Gandhi’s teachings remain a guiding force for societal development.

The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) concluded the Swachhata Hi Seva-2026 campaign on 2nd October 2026. Commencing on 17th September 2026, the nationwide campaign involved cleanliness drives, awareness activities, drawing competitions, walkathons, tree plantations under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam', and cultural programmes conducted by the Department alongside its PSUs, attached, and subordinate offices such as the Food Corporation of India (FCI), Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), IGMRI, and the Central Grain Analysis Laboratory. On Swachh Bharat Diwas, coinciding with the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, officials paid floral tributes and felicitated SafaiMitras and Safai Workers for their contributions to office premises hygiene.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has commenced the Implementation Phase of Special Campaign 6, running from October 2, 2026, to October 31, 2026. Aligned with the guidelines of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the campaign aims to institutionalize Swachhata, minimize pendency in government offices, and promote scientific e-waste management. Spanning subordinate, autonomous, regional, and field offices, the campaign focuses on effective collection, segregation, and disposal of electronic waste, records management, space management, and resolving references like public grievances and parliamentary matters based on pre-identified targets.

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is conducting the Forward-Looking Survey on Private Corporate Sector CAPEX Investment Intentions (CAPEX 2026) from October to December 2026. The survey aims to capture capital expenditure undertaken, provisional capital expenditure, and investment intentions across large private corporate enterprises registered under the Companies Act. Conducted under the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008, data collection is carried out via a secure web portal with digital tools. Previous survey findings indicate manufacturing leads aggregate expenditures, followed by information and communication, and transportation and storage.

Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, participated in 'Swachhata Hi Seva' campaign activities at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in New Delhi. During the event, the Minister administered the Swachhata pledge, led a Shramdaan activity involving the clearing of waste and construction material, and planted a sapling under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative. He addressed students, officers, and staff, emphasizing collective responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in public spaces, institutions, and offices. The Minister also inspected academic and infrastructure facilities at the campus.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has rolled out Tamil Nadu’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system at the Paranur Toll Plaza on the Tambaram–Tindivanam Section of NH-179B. This barrierless system utilizes advanced technologies such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and FASTag to allow vehicles to pass through toll plazas without stopping. The initiative aims to reduce congestion, fuel consumption, vehicular emissions, and human intervention in toll collection while improving transparency and travel efficiency. NHAI is implementing MLFF in a phased manner across various national highways in India.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs-led Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao 2025 (SABB) campaign organized coordinated cleanliness, waste removal, and public health efforts across urban local bodies from 1 July to 31 July 2025. Focused on the '6 Swachhata Mantras', the campaign addressed monsoon-related waterlogging, sanitation, and vector-borne disease risks through diverse regional initiatives. Activities included drain cleaning and health camps in Telangana, manhole ambulances and school hygiene drives in Delhi, backlane beautification using the 3Rs in Madhya Pradesh, and waste management and rainwater harvesting drives across Northeastern states. Additionally, initiatives under Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0 and the Safai Mitra Suraksha Challenge highlighted mechanised sewer cleaning, safety equipment provision, institutional credit support via schemes like Swachhta Udyami Yojana, and training to ensure worker safety, dignity, and sani-entrepreneurship.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), conducted its 57th food safety training session for street food vendors in Andheri, Mumbai, on September 30, 2026. Attended by around 50 vendors, the session focused on personal hygiene, safe food handling, contamination prevention, cleanliness, and hygienic storage. This initiative stems from a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FSSAI and BMC to train over 10,000 street food vendors in Mumbai, supporting the objectives of the Eat Right India movement and enhancing compliance with food safety regulations.

The Prime Minister shared an article written by Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat concerning India’s growth as a global tourism destination. The article discusses India's rise on the global tourism map, attributing it to enhanced connectivity, improved tourist facilities, and easier digital access. It notes that this growth creates new opportunities for local businesses, guides, artisans, and communities. Furthermore, it emphasizes sustainability as a core focus for the next phase of tourism, connecting India's rich heritage with economic opportunities and better travel experiences.

Indian Naval Ship Tarkash, a frontline stealth frigate, arrived at Mombasa, Kenya on September 29, 2026, for a goodwill port call. The visit highlights the longstanding bilateral relationship between India and Kenya, focusing on maritime engagement across the Indian Ocean. During the port call, personnel from both navies will engage in professional interactions, cross-learning, cultural exchanges, sports, and community outreach activities to foster interoperability, trust, and camaraderie. The visit aligns with India's commitment to maritime partnerships in the Indian Ocean Region under the spirit of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is participating in Special Campaign 6.0, organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), scheduled from 2nd to 31st October 2026. Ahead of the implementation phase, the Ministry conducted a preparatory phase between 15th and 30th September 2026 to identify pending matters, streamline record management, assess redundant materials, and plan e-waste disposal according to rules. During the upcoming campaign, the Ministry intends to address pending public grievances, appeals, parliamentary assurances, and references from Members of Parliament and State Governments, aiming to institutionalise cleanliness and improve workplace efficiency.

The Ministry of Textiles is conducting Special Campaign 6 from 2nd October to 31st October 2026 across its organisations, subordinate offices, and Public Sector Undertakings. The campaign focuses on cleanliness, disposal of pending matters, record management, and a special emphasis on the collection, segregation, and disposal of e-waste. Targets set during the preparatory phase include disposing of public grievances, MP references, and parliamentary assurances, reviewing physical and e-files, and systematically disposing of identified e-waste items such as personal computers and CPUs through authorised channels.